The city with the second-largest population in the world, Delhi is the sort of place you go to if you don’t mind never being alone. This isn’t as bad as you think, for one of the great attractions of the city—arguably even greater than the world-famous monuments it houses—is the absolute vitality of civilization in it. People have been living together in this place for millennia. As one of the oldest extant cities in the world, Delhi belongs to a very select group of elite locations whose cultural foundations were laid nearly at the dawn of civilized human history.

The monuments certainly pay tribute to that long past. Delhi is enormous (the word isn’t used lightly here) and can keep you busy for days on end if you’re interested in landmarks and notable structures. The crimson-cast features of Shah Jahan’s Lal Qila, the huge Red Fort, loom within the city. The resting place of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun’s Tomb, is here as well. Then there is the Qutub Complex, with what was once the tallest spire in the world, the Qutub Minar. Add to these a seeming analogue of the Arc de Triomphe (the famous India Gate) and an ancient royal observatory with astronomical instruments the size of monuments in themselves (there’s even a sundial in the Jantar Mantar that’s so large that you can see the minutes pass with every millimeter its shadow moves)… Delhi is obviously a place worthy of even the most serious tourists.

If you do end up visiting Delhi, you’ll be sure to see more than the spots listed above. This truly is a large place, both physically and culturally… for so many tourists and travelers have come to this city over the years that it has managed to accrue the sort of unique yet globally-cognizant consciousness only old and great cities get. So the most appropriate advice for those headed to the city may be this: be prepared for immensity. Delhi is a city that will dwarf most others in many aspects, and it can only enhance anyone fortunate enough to experience it for himself.

When one thinks of a great leader, India’s Mahatma Gandhi easily comes to mind. Being an advocate of non-violent resistance, he is an icon of peace. Dressed in simple garb who lived in a modest lifestyle, Gandhi continued to be an inspiration to many even after his death. Revered by many, it is only fitting that a memorial area was erected in his honor. The Raj Ghat was then erected to commemorate the great leader.

The Raj Ghat – a memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi

The Raj Ghat is a memorial for the great soul, Mahatma Gandhi. It is located along the Ring Road where one can easily view the Yamuna River. Raj Ghat was also the location where Mahatma Gandhi’s body was cremated on January 31, 1948. India is indeed [Read more…]

Travelers often ask what to wear in New Delhi. Like the old saying, ‘When in Rome, do what the Romans do’, when in India, wear clothes that are appropriate to the culture and also being aware of New Delhi fashion.

Wear casual when traveling to New Delhi

Ancient Indian fashion generally requires no stitching. Clothes are ready to wear the moment it comes out of the loom. Wearing the traditional Indian dhoti, scarf or uttariya and turban can still be seen worn by locals and is still very much a part of Indian fashion. [Read more…]

India is a country rich in culture, history and religious traditions. A great example of its religious influences is the beautiful Jama Masjid, India’s largest and most beautiful mosque. It was built in 1644 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan who was the same emperor who built the very famous Taj Mahal in Agra.

Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque

Jama Masjid’s grand courtyard measures an astounding approximate of seventy-five meters by sixty-six meters. It can accommodate 25,000 devotees in prayer at a time. The courtyard can also be accessible on three sides. From the outside, visitors will be amazed by [Read more…]

The India Gate stands in the heart of New Delhi and is a prominent structure that welcomes everyone to the historic city. Most of New Delhi roads seem to converge to this large monument whose architecture drew inspiration from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Today, the India Gate stands in a middle of a large and open garden space.

India Gate – Beautiful structure

The India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of Britain’s greatest architects. He also designed several monuments and structures in New Delhi including the Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence of the president of India. Sir Edwin Lutyens [Read more…]

In honor of the Hindu god Lord Narayan and his consort, the goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built in 1938 by Baldeo Das Birla, a philanthropist and entrepreneur. Also known as Birla Mindar, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is considered to be one of the most famous and significant Hindu temples located on the Mandir Marg, one of the largest business centers in New Delhi.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Spread over 7.5 acres of land with the main temple taking up an area of about 0.52 acres of land. The tallest shikhara or highest peak of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is at 165 feet. This three-storey temple was built by more than 100 artisans from Benares for six years, [Read more…]

Bahai Temple or Baha’i House of Worship is a lotus-designed structure completed in November 13, 1986 found in the city of New Delhi. The building principally serves as the mother temple of the Baha’i faith in the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. It is considered to be the most visited tourist destination in India, even surpassing the annual number of visitors at Taj Mahal.

Bahai Temple – The most visited tourist destination in India

Bahai Temple is constantly featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles since it was opened to the public on December 24, 1986. It has won numerous architectural design awards and was recognized as one of the masterpieces of 20th century architecture. In [Read more…]